Hot town, Summer in the City

The much-anticipated NZCT
Summer City line-up has finally been released, with many
treats in store for Wellingtonians over the coming months.
As well as free music at the Botanic Garden, break-dancing
with Bodyrock, New Year’s celebrations at Civic Square,
the Pasifika festival and a circus on the wharf with The
Navigators, there's much more.

Keep an eye out for
the NZCT Summer City brochure – soon to be dotted around
the city in cafés, bars, retail outlets, Council libraries,
pools and recreation centres.

Wellington City
Council’s Economic Development and Recreation Portfolio
Leader Councillor John Morrison says this is one of his
favourite festivals of the year.

“What I like
most about the Summer City festival is that there is
something to cater for everyone’s taste, and most of the
events are free,” says Cr Morrison.

“We have
the usual favourites, such as the Gardens Magic gigs at the
Botanic Garden – one of the reasons many people choose to
spend January in the Capital.

“Children will be
captivated by Fairy Trina’s Tales of Tanglewood – not to
mention the annual Teddy Bears’ picnic. And older
children, such as myself, will have great fun either taking
part in or watching the Birdman competition over Anniversary
Weekend. I’m sure Leonardo would be very proud of the
activities happening throughout the city in da Vinci’s
name,” he says.

The Starry Nights series returns
to Frank Kitts in early February for four fabulous gigs by
Fur Patrol, King Kapisi, the NZSO and Tommy Love, who will
put on a spectacular show on Valentine’s Day.

But
it’s not all about gigs. Movies return to the Botanic
Garden’s Dell thanks to Cuba St Carnival. They will screen
three films about music – one on The Clash’s Joe
Strummer, one on Motown and another set in a Cuban dance
club. Then they’ll take the big screen to Cuba Street on
the eve of the Carnival for a screening of the classic Some
Like it Hot.

As well as Cuba St Carnival’s 10th
Anniversary extravaganza, Wellington’s other favourite
fair days and festivals will make a return – it’s the
Year of the Ox for the upcoming Chinese New Year
celebrations, and Out in the Square: Wellington’s 24th gay
and lesbian fair and Newtown Festival will not disappoint in
February and March respectively.

Culture Kicks –
Wellington’s own mini world cup – is fast becoming one
of the most popular multi-cultural events as at least 30
teams representing as many countries battle it out in the
beautiful game at the end of March.

“There will
be lots of other sport-orientated events taking place over
the coming months,” says Cr
Morrison.

“There’s beach volleyball in January,
the ever-growing Ocean Swim race later that month and the
Offshore Powerboat series in March.

“And let’s
not forget there’s an element of sport involved over
Sevens weekend as groups of decked out revellers transform
the city into a giant party-zone. This is taking place over
Waitangi weekend, so between the Waitangi Day celebrations,
One Love and the Sevens, people will literally be spoiled
for choice. I urge all Wellingtonians to get out there and
enjoy the summer!”

NZCT Summer City brochures are
available from lots of places around town. Pick one up from
City Council libraries, pools, recreation centres, stands
around the city or cafés. Phone 499 4444 for one to be
posted out to you, or check out details from the Council
website,
www.Wellington.govt.nz

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